It’s a good time to book that sneaky morning off.

If you appreciate a good cocktail, this week, the World Class Cocktail Festival is transforming 50 venues across Ireland into havens of cocktail artistry, with a trio of the most exciting events happening right here in Cork.

Each participating bar, including Cork’s Cask, Paladar and The Raven, will offer a bespoke World Class menu, meticulously crafted by 2021 Irish Bartender of the Year, Cal Byrne.

Here are three free Cork events we’re looking forward to: 

Liberty Street, Cork, April 25th: Join Shingo Sasaki at Impala from 6pm-8pm for a special evening of vinyl records and expertly crafted hi-ball cocktails.

He’ll be teaming up with luxury spirits ambassador and World Class winner Carl d’Alton to showcase the innovative concepts and Japanese-inspired creativity that have made The Sober Company a global sensation.

MacCurtain Street, Cork, April 27th: Cask Cork welcomes current Global Bartender of the Year, Keegan McGregor (from Nova Scotia, Canada), alongside current Irish Bartender of the Year, Emily Doherty (Bar Manager at The Merchant Cocktail Bar, Belfast).

Emily Doherty

From 7pm-9pm, this iconic duo will create delicious cocktails, highlighting the skills and serves that crowned them World Class champions, using premium spirits like Tanqueray No.TEN, Ketel One, and Roe & Co.

And the best part? These world-class drinks are just €10.

 Spike Island, April 28th: The Grand Finale: Battle of the Bartenders takes place on Monday, April 28th in the atmospheric setting of Spike Island.

Watch as three talented finalists – Harry Broadhurst (Cask, Cork), Isadora Petinari (9 Below Bar), and Akram Bendjeddou (Paladar, Cork) – compete in the ultimate test of bartending skill: the Don Julio Pop-Up Challenge on Spike Island.

Each finalist will design and run their own unique pop-up bar, crafting a signature Don Julio menu (plus a Tanqueray 0.0 option) and showcase their talent to over 120 guests.

Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to experience all three pop-up bars and sample the innovative cocktails. The winner of World Class Ireland 2025 will then represent Ireland at the global finals in Toronto, Canada, this September.